Hugh Grant, the commitment-phobe

Actor Hugh Grant is reluctant to marry because he is afraid that marriage kills passion and affection between couples.

Hugh Grant would love to settle down and start a family. But, he’s a bit reluctant about marriage after seeing other couples lose their passion for each other after they wed.

The Music and Lyrics star, while admitting that he gets a bit ‘worried’ that he’s in his forties and still single, also insisted that he wasn’t a fan of the way passion and affection died down between couples after they had spent years together.

"It's true that my age sometimes worries me. Each birthday is an almost unpleasant date - I told myself that being single in your thirties is fine, but at 46 it's a bit worrying," Contactmusic quoted him, as saying.

"I would like to get married, but at the same time I'm horrified by those couples that I see around me and the lack of affection and passion that can result from the passing of time," he added.

The actor sparked off rumours that he was getting ready to settle down with lady love of three years Jemima Khan earlier this year, but then shocked fans when he and Khan announced that they were splitting up instead.

The two kindled rumours of a reconciliation after they were spotted on a series of dates last month.

However, Khan was recently spotted getting cosy with none other than supermodel Elle Macpherson’s former long-time partner, Arpad Busson.

A source revealed to the News of the World that though Khan had been stuck on Grant for a long time, she was having a great time the Arpad’s company.

"For a long time it looked like she only had eyes for Hugh. But she and Arpad are spending more and more time together, and she looks to be having a ball," the source said.

"They certainly seem relaxed in each other's company. They are clearly close companions and have been going out together late into the night," the source added.